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1. Fractional-Order Shell Theory: Formulation and Application to the Analysis of Nonlocal Cylindrical Panels

   https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4054677  

   Sidhardh, Sai; Patnaik, Sansit; Semperlotti, Fabio (August 2022, Journal of Applied Mechanics)

   Abstract We present a theoretical and computational framework based on fractional calculus for the analysis of the nonlocal static response of cylindrical shell panels. The differ-integral nature of fractional derivatives allows an efficient and accurate methodology to account for the effect of long-range (nonlocal) interactions in curved structures. More specifically, the use of frame-invariant fractional-order kinematic relations enables a physically, mathematically, and thermodynamically consistent formulation to model the nonlocal elastic interactions. To evaluate the response of these nonlocal shells under practical scenarios involving generalized loads and boundary conditions, the fractional-finite element method (f-FEM) is extended to incorporate shell elements based on the first-order shear-deformable displacement theory. Finally, numerical studies are performed exploring both the linear and the geometrically nonlinear static response of nonlocal cylindrical shell panels. This study is intended to provide a general foundation to investigate the nonlocal behavior of curved structures by means of fractional-order models. 

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2. Analysis of the Postbuckling Response of Nonlocal Plates Via Fractional-Order Continuum Theory

   https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4049224  

   Sidhardh, Sai; Patnaik, Sansit; Semperlotti, Fabio (April 2021, Journal of Applied Mechanics)

   null (Ed.)

   Abstract We present a comprehensive study on the postbuckling response of nonlocal structures performed by means of a frame-invariant fractional-order continuum theory to model the long-range (nonlocal) interactions. The use of fractional calculus facilitates an energy-based approach to nonlocal elasticity that plays a fundamental role in the present study. The underlying fractional framework enables mathematically, physically, and thermodynamically consistent integral-type constitutive models that, in contrast to the existing integer-order differential approaches, allow the nonlinear buckling and postbifurcation analyses of nonlocal structures. Furthermore, we present the first application of the Koiter’s asymptotic method to investigate postbifurcation branches of nonlocal structures. Finally, the theoretical framework is applied to study the postbuckling behavior of slender nonlocal plates. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the influence that long-range interactions bear on postbuckling response are undertaken. Numerical studies are carried out using a 2D fractional-order finite element method (f-FEM) modified to include a combination of the Newton–Raphson and a path-following arc-length iterative methods to solve the system of nonlinear algebraic equations that govern the equilibrium beyond the critical points. The present framework provides a general foundation to investigate the postbuckling response of potentially any type of nonlocal structure. 

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3. Uniqueness in an inverse problem of fractional elasticity

   https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2023.0474  

   Covi, Giovanni; de_Hoop, Maarten; Salo, Mikko (October 2023, Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences)

   We study a nonlinear inverse problem for fractional elasticity. In analogy to the classical problem of linear elasticity, we consider the unique recovery of the Lamé parameters associated with a linear, isotropic fractional elasticity operator from fractional Dirichlet-to-Neumann data. In our analysis, we make use of a fractional matrix Schrödinger equation via a generalization of the so-called Liouville reduction to the case of fractional elasticity. We conclude that unique recovery is possible if the Lamé parameters agree and are constant in the exterior, and their Poisson ratios agree everywhere. Our study is motivated by the significant recent activity in the field of nonlocal elasticity. 

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4. On the role of the microstructure in the deformation of porous solids

   https://doi.org/10.1038/s41524-022-00840-5  

   Patnaik, Sansit; Jokar, Mehdi; Ding, Wei; Semperlotti, Fabio (July 2022, npj Computational Materials)

   Abstract This study explores the role that the microstructure plays in determining the macroscopic static response of porous elastic continua and exposes the occurrence of position-dependent nonlocal effects that are strictly correlated to the configuration of the microstructure. Then, a nonlocal continuum theory based on variable-order fractional calculus is developed in order to accurately capture the complex spatially distributed nonlocal response. The remarkable potential of the fractional approach is illustrated by simulating the nonlinear thermoelastic response of porous beams. The performance, evaluated both in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency, is directly contrasted with high-fidelity finite element models that fully resolve the pores’ geometry. Results indicate that the reduced-order representation of the porous microstructure, captured by the synthetic variable-order parameter, offers a robust and accurate representation of the multiscale material architecture that largely outperforms classical approaches based on the concept of average porosity. 

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5. External optimal control of fractional parabolic PDEs

   https://doi.org/10.1051/cocv/2020005  

   Antil, Harbir; Verma, Deepanshu; Warma, Mahamadi (January 2020, ESAIM: Control, Optimisation and Calculus of Variations)

   In [Antil et al. Inverse Probl. 35 (2019) 084003.] we introduced a new notion of optimal control and source identification (inverse) problems where we allow the control/source to be outside the domain where the fractional elliptic PDE is fulfilled. The current work extends this previous work to the parabolic case. Several new mathematical tools have been developed to handle the parabolic problem. We tackle the Dirichlet, Neumann and Robin cases. The need for these novel optimal control concepts stems from the fact that the classical PDE models only allow placing the control/source either on the boundary or in the interior where the PDE is satisfied. However, the nonlocal behavior of the fractional operator now allows placing the control/source in the exterior. We introduce the notions of weak and very-weak solutions to the fractional parabolic Dirichlet problem. We present an approach on how to approximate the fractional parabolic Dirichlet solutions by the fractional parabolic Robin solutions (with convergence rates). A complete analysis for the Dirichlet and Robin optimal control problems has been discussed. The numerical examples confirm our theoretical findings and further illustrate the potential benefits of nonlocal models over the local ones. 

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